We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Optical Systems Engineer to join our team. This role requires a deep understanding of both optical systems and systems engineering. You will play a critical role on a cross-disciplinary team that specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of novel, state-of-the-art optical and science instruments for military, government, and commercial space applications, including Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, space situational awareness, maritime traffic monitoring, and optical communications. Your expertise and knowledge will be instrumental in developing optical systems and performing testing to ensure successful completion of projects and the delivery of high-quality solutions.
In this role, you will collaborate with a team to execute project plans related to optical systems and test systems, ensuring all engineering requirements are fulfilled. You will provide technical assistance to fellow engineers, troubleshoot issues, and lead or contribute to the development of innovative solutions for complex customer challenges. This position requires a blend of hands-on, in-person laboratory work and activities outside the lab, including conceptual discussions and model-based analysis, to support team members and complete your own independent tasks.
ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, simulation, and testing of optical payload systems for satellite and space applications. This includes hands-on, in-person laboratory work with physical configurations, as well as collaborative support outside the lab, involving conceptual discussions, optical modeling, and mathematical analysis.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration of optical payloads with satellite systems.
- Conduct system requirements analysis and define the specifications necessary for the development of optical payload systems.
- Oversee the development of test plans and procedures and ensure thorough testing of optical components and systems.
- Evaluate and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle of optical payloads.
- Design, assemble, and operate optical test setups using various tools including interferometers, integrating spheres, spectrometers, various optical sensors, and light sources such as lasers and lamps, across different wavelengths.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex engineering problems related to the manufacturing and testing of optical systems.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements in optical payload technology.
- Ensure adherence to quality and safety standards and customer requirements.
- Liaise with external stakeholders, including government agencies and partners, to ensure compliance with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
Must Have:
- Bachelor's degree in sciences, engineering, mathematcis or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of experience in optical design, test, and systems engineering for aerospace applications.
- 8+ years of experience with optical systems, including sensors, cameras, and related technologies.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in breadboard, laboratory, or operational optical systems.
- 3+ years of optical simulation experience (Zemax, Code-V, Light Tools, Trace Pro, and other industry standard tools).
We Value:
- Master's degree or PH.D
- Experience with space mission design and integration processes.
- Experience with free-space optical communications.
- Experience with fiber lasers and/or Class 4 lasers in a breadboard, laboratory, or operational environment.
- Experience with the complete engineering lifecycle (design to volume production)
- Knowledge of satellite systems and interfaces.
- Familiarity with relevant software tools for optical design and analysis.
- Experience with Matlab.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Individuals who are self-motivated and able to work with little supervision, who consistently take the initiative to get things done, and are willing to do things before being asked by others or forced to by events.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.
The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $180,000 in Ontario. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
This position is for a current vacancy
The Honeywell Aerospce building is a Controlled goods program environment. Candidates must be eligibie for Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and Contract Security Program (CSP) clearances.
About us:
Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.
Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.
Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.
Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.
Benefits:
Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
- Employee assistance program and educational assistance
- Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
- Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time
Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com
The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Electronic Solutions:
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on-time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.
As aviation continues to evolve, we're also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com
Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology that help aircraft perform safely and with precision. Our systems are on board 90% of the world's aircraft — serving commercial aviation, defense and space operators from integrated flight deck platforms with 30-plus years in service to radiation-hardened systems trusted for human spaceflight.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline
- 8+ years of experience in optical design, testing, and systems engineering for aerospace applications
- 8+ years of experience with optical systems, including sensors, cameras, and related technologies
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with breadboard, laboratory, or operational optical systems
- 3+ years of optical simulation experience using Zemax, Code V, LightTools, TracePro, or comparable industry tools
- Master's degree or Ph.D.
- Experience with space mission design and integration processes
- Experience with free-space optical communications
- Experience with fiber lasers and/or Class 4 lasers in a breadboard, laboratory, or operational environment
- Experience across the complete engineering lifecycle from design through volume production
- Knowledge of satellite systems and interfaces
- Familiarity with optical design and analysis software tools
- Experience with MATLAB
- Strong communication and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to work independently with initiative and limited supervision
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Eligibility for the Controlled Goods Program and Contract Security Program clearances
The Aerospace Corporation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Aerospace Corporation and has not been reviewed or approved by The Aerospace Corporation.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) plan provides a company‑paid contribution of 8–12% based on years of service with immediate eligibility and vesting, and eligible employees can access retiree medical benefits.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off includes 15 vacation days (rising to 20 after five years), nine paid holidays, and unlimited sick time for exempt employees with accruals for non‑exempt staff.
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Flexible Benefits — Flexible work models include a 9/80 schedule with alternating Fridays off, supported by backup care services, an EAP, relocation assistance, and home‑office stipends where applicable.
The Aerospace Corporation Insights
What We Do
The space enterprise has been transformed by rapid change and growth. New vehicles for national security space, a more rapid launch cadence, proliferated satellite constellations, the pursuit of interplanetary exploration, and thriving commercial ventures are changing the nature of the space industry. The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) is a leading architect for U.S. space programs, shaping efforts to outpace threats to our national security while cultivating the technologies needed to further this new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace works across the space enterprise in service of the public interest. In addition to supporting the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, our customers include NASA, NOAA, numerous federal agencies, and commercial space — all of whom benefit from our deep technical knowledge. We only pursue business related to the space mission and complementary fields, operating as the nation’s trusted partner to solve the toughest challenges and develop reliable and innovative technologies. Innovation in space occurs when people have the freedom to imagine and do. At Aerospace, we take pride in our readiness to solve some of the most complex challenges in the space enterprise.
Why Work With Us
We are a non-profit corporation chartered by the government to work on the hardest problems in space. We employ technical experts in every discipline of space-related science and engineering who touch every part of the US space program. Come join us as we make an impact bigger than ourselves.
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